Detained MLA Mehraj Malik’s Postal Ballot Sent, Government Updates High Court
Jammu and Kashmir authorities ensure Malik can vote in upcoming Rajya Sabha elections despite detention
Srinagar, Oct 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Government informed the High Court of J&K and Ladakh on Saturday that necessary arrangements have been made to enable detained MLA Mehraj Malik to exercise his vote in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
During the hearing before Justice Rajesh Sekhri, Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi and Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli submitted that the postal ballot had already been dispatched to the competent authority, facilitating Malik’s participation in the Rajya Sabha election scheduled for October 24, 2025.
The submission followed an application filed by Malik seeking permission to cast his vote and attend the forthcoming assembly session. Petitioners, led by Senior Advocate Rahul Pant, urged urgent consideration of both requests. The government’s counsel clarified that steps had been completed to address the voting aspect.
The Court noted that the government’s reply to the petition was not yet on record and directed the registry to ensure it was filed properly. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on October 27, 2025, to consider Malik’s physical participation in the assembly session beginning October 23.
The Court emphasized that Malik must be allowed to cast his vote in accordance with the law. According to earlier reports by KNO, the postal ballots were sent to district jail Kathua, where Malik is currently detained.
